Cost of Living in Scotland, PA

With a cost of living index of 79, Scotland, PA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 4% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Scotland is a small community of 1,535 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Scotland's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $857 (35% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $241,700 (21% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Scotland is $71,750, which is 5% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Chambersburg, PA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.